The Chicago Bears (6-1) and the Tennessee Titans (3-5) will meet for the 11th time ever on Sunday afternoon.
The all-time series is tied 5-5. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14 the last time these two teams squared off in 2008.
This is only the second time the Bears will take on the Titans at LP Field. QB Craig Krenzel was under center the last time the Bears traveled to Tennessee in 2004.
The Bears are coming off a 23-22 win over the Panthers. It was almost a letdown, but the Bears rallied back in crunch time and won their fifth straight game.
After starting the season 1-4, the Titans have won two of their last three games. Despite a solid ground attack and efficient air attack, Tennessee fell to Indianapolis last week 19-13 in overtime.
This game won’t be easy for the Bears. Considering the tough schedule ahead the Bears can’t look past this one.
The Bears are second in points allowed per game (14.3) and are eighth in points scored per game (26.4).
The Titans on the other hand are second to last in points allowed per game (32.1) and are 21st in points scored per game (20.2).
Bears’ WR Alshon Jeffery (hand) has been ruled out for the third straight week. LB Lance Briggs was limited in practice on Thursday (toe), but practiced in full on Friday.
The Titans have ruled out G Leroy Harris (knee) and LB Patrick Bailey (ribs). QB Jake Locker is doubtful (left shoulder) as he practiced on a limited basis all week.
T David Stewart (knee), CB Tommie Campbell (ankle), and LB Will Witherspoon (hamstring) were all limited in practice this week and are considered questionable at this point.
The Bears will win if?
The Bears will win if they can limit their turnovers. Too often this season we’ve seen it take almost a half of football for Jay Cutler and Co. to get things going offensively. If the offense can mix things up and control the clock it will make it that much easier for the defense. More offensive production will likely lead to a seventh win for the Bears.
The Bears will lose if?
The Bears will lose if they lose focus. They can’t let QB Matt Hasselbeck complete big passes downfield. The must limit his opportunities. They will likely be stacking the box to stop RB Chris Johnson, so they might give him some chances, but safeties Chris Conte and Major Wright can’t give up those big plays. If Hasslebeck completes those passes downfield early and often, the Bears could be in for a long day.
Players who must step up:
1. Corey Wootton- The third year end has three sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Last week against the Panthers he made two solo tackles and deflected a pass. He has been active in the defensive end rotation all season long. He could have a nice game against a banged up Titans offensive line.
Prediction: Four tackles, 1.0 sack.
2. Earl Bennett- I like what Bennett did last week. He came up with key catches late in the game and really sparked the Bears’ offense. He doesn’t put up big numbers, but he makes big plays. Look for him to thrive this week against a week Titans pass defense.
Prediction: Five catches, 59 yards.
3. D.J. Moore- He isn’t satisfied with his play as of late and either is nickelbacks coach Mikal Smith. With too many missed tackles, Moore knows now is the time to step up. He is shown he is a solid playmaker at times, but has been too incosistent. With veteran Kelvin Hayden pushing him for playing time, Moore knows the task at hand. Look for Moore to be flying all around on Sunday.
Prediction: Seven tackles, one fumble recovery.
Score predictions:
Jake Perper: Chicago Bears 30, Tennessee Titans 20.
Matt Eurich: Chicago Bears 24, Tennessee Titans 20.
Qwikcast.com Weather Report:
Cooler. Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph.
Jake Perper is the owner and head writer for Bearsbacker.com. Follow him on Twitter, @Bearsbacker and on Facebook for up to the minute news about the Bears.
